Director of Government Relations

Job Title: Director of Government Relations

Reports to: Lake George Waterkeeper

Location: Hybrid, Albany, NY or Lake George, NY (with regular presence in Albany)

Salary Range: $90,000–$110,000, commensurate with experience

Status: Full-time, Exempt

Benefits: Health, dental, vision; 403b with employer contributions; generous PTO; professional development

Managing: None

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume and contact information for three professional references on the Lake George website.

Help shape the future of freshwater protection in New York.

The Lake George Association (LGA) is seeking a strategic, relationship-driven Director of Government Relations to advance policy solutions that protect Lake George and strengthen freshwater conservation across New York and beyond.

This is an opportunity for someone who understands how government works and wants to use that experience to turn science into action.

Working closely with the Lake George Waterkeeper and LGA leadership team, the Director will lead LGA’s local, state and federal government relations strategy, cultivate influential relationships, advance policy priorities and help secure lasting public investment in freshwater protection.

This is a hybrid position, with time split between Albany and Lake George, New York.

What the Director of Government Relations Will Do

• Serve as LGA’s lead representative on government relations and policy engagement, with a primary focus on Albany.
• Develop and advance LGA’s annual policy agenda and legislative priorities.
• Build and maintain bipartisan relationships with elected officials, agencies, coalition partners, and key stakeholders.
• Translate science, research, and monitoring into clear policy recommendations and advocacy strategies.
• Monitor legislative, regulatory, and budget developments affecting freshwater protection.
• Prepare testimony, policy briefs, budget requests, and strategic recommendations.
• Support organizational leaders in meetings, public engagement, and policy communications.
• Help position LGA as a trusted, science-driven voice in freshwater policy and conservation.

What Success Looks Like

In your first year, you will:

• Strengthen LGA’s visibility, relationships, and influence in Albany.
• Advance priority policy and funding opportunities.
• Build durable partnerships across government and coalition networks.
• Translate LGA’s science and strategic priorities into meaningful public outcomes.

You May Be a Strong Fit If You Bring Experience in Some Combination Of:

• Government, public policy, legislative affairs, public affairs, advocacy, or government relations.
• Experience working with or navigating New York State government and public decision-making processes.
• Success advancing initiatives, shaping outcomes, building coalitions, influencing policy, or securing public support.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to make complex issues accessible and actionable.
• Ability to synthesize technical, scientific, or policy information into clear recommendations and action.
• Collaborative leadership and comfort working across teams and stakeholders.
• Interest in environmental conservation and public policy, with enthusiasm for advancing science-informed solutions to protect freshwater and natural resources.

Successful candidates may come from backgrounds such as:

• NYS Assembly, Senate, Executive Chamber, or state agencies
• Legislative, policy, or budget offices
• Government relations or public affairs
• Environmental or conservation organizations
• Advocacy organizations or coalition leadership
• Water, land use, infrastructure, or natural resource policy

Experience with environmental, conservation, freshwater, climate, or place-based issues is helpful but not required. Familiarity with the Adirondacks or Lake George region is a plus.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $90,000–$110,000, commensurate with experience
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions
• Generous paid time off and flexible scheduling
• Professional development opportunities
• Access to outdoor industry discounts and opportunities to engage in the field

Why LGA?

At LGA, we combine science, solutions, community, and advocacy to protect one of the world’s most extraordinary freshwater resources.

We value people who bring curiosity, integrity, collaboration, and a commitment to turning ideas into action. Our work is grounded in a science-informed, equity-minded, and solutions-focused approach to protecting Lake George.

If your experience aligns with much of this role—but not every qualification—we encourage you to apply.

Health, dental, vision; 403b with employer contributions; generous PTO; professional development.